Math
LARGE
Definition
LARGE returns the k-th largest number in a range.
Syntax
=LARGE(array, k)
Arguments
| Argument | Meaning |
|---|---|
array |
The cells that hold the numbers, such as A2:A5. |
k |
Which largest to return. 1 is the largest; 2 is the next largest. |
Worked example
A game club keeps four scores and wants the second-highest. Scores are in A2:A5.
| A: Score |
|---|
| 15 |
| 3 |
| 11 |
| 8 |
Formula: =LARGE(A2:A5,2)
Result: 11. The largest is 15, so the second-largest is 11.
Practice
Cells A2:A5 hold 4, 9, 2, and 7. In B2, write a formula that returns the 2nd largest value.
- In B2, write a LARGE formula that returns the second largest value in A2:A5.
- B2 should show the second largest value in A2:A5.
Step 1 of 2
Enter =LARGE(A2:A5,2) in B2.
9 is the largest and 7 is next, so the second largest is 7.
Formulas here use English function names, such as SUM, and a period as the decimal separator, in every language.
Loading the sheet…
B2 uses LARGE.
B2 now shows 7.
Related functions
MEDIAN is the middle value, not the second-largest. MAX is LARGE with k equal to 1.
Common mistake
Using k=0 or a k larger than the count of numbers: LARGE then returns #NUM!.